“It’s a great opportunity for the local industry to showcase the tremendous produce Ireland has to offer and we as a company who work closely with local farmers are absolutely delighted to be involved,” said Devenish Marketing Manager, Simon Caughey.
“The event has grown year on year and we at Devenish and the European Angus Cattle Society are hopeful of getting a record number of entries”.
Once again CAFRE Loughry Campus is the venue for the staging of the competition which involves blind tastings in all classes. Celebrity chef and food writer, Paula McIntyre, has been appointed as this year’s guest judge and she will be responsible for the selection of the overall Supreme Champion Steak.
European Angus Cattle Society Secretary, Harry McGaffin. “The format remains the same with the competition being held in two categories, Under 15 employees and Over 15 employees, with three beef classes – Fillet Steak, Sirloin Steak and Rib-Eye Steak.
“Again we are continuing with our beef sausage categories, both traditional and gourmet, as well as our beefburger category, but we have also introduced a new class this year – an added value beef product category which will take in everything from pies to special recipe dishes that utilise locally produced beef as a major ingredient.”
The steak tasting heats get underway on February 16 with the tasting of the sausages, beefburgers and added value beef products scheduled for March 9.
The winners will be announced at a Special Awards Evening and Dinner which is being held at Bannville House Hotel just outside Banbridge on March 21.
“Once again those entering steaks in the competition will participate in the blind tastings while the judging of the sausages, beefburgers and added value beef products will be undertaken by various Young Farmers’ Club members along with a new group of discerning judges,” continued Harry. “The competition is open to anyone involved in the beef industry and food sector, and very importantly, all breeds of cattle.”
Competition cost is £15 per entry and entry forms are available from the European Angus Cattle Society, telephone 07715 584 887 or log onto www.europeanangus.co.uk where entry forms are available for download.
Pictured above at the launch of the 2015 European Angus Steak Tasting Competition are from left, Des Brady, CAFRE Loughry Campus, Harry McGaffin, Secretary of the European Angus Cattle Society, Simon Caughey, Marketing Manager, Devenish and Gary Scott, competition chef.
Back to Press Releases